Author(s): Mastewal Giza*, Alebachew Molla
Background: Iodine is essential for normal physiological function and the synthesis of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The deficiency of iodine is a significant public health problem in Ethiopia. The problem is more pronounced in pregnant women and young children, with consequences such as perinatal mortality, mental retardation, and brain damage.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the proper utilization of iodized salt at the household level and associated factors in Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.
Method: A Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 up to 30, 2019 in Debre Markos town, East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 788 households were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected from the households using interview questionnaire. The household iodized salt utilization was tested with the iodine rapid test kit. The data were coded, and entered into Epi data version 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis.
Result: A total of 781 participants were included in this study. The availability of adequately iodized salt was 89.9%. The proportion of proper utilization of iodized salt (>15 ppm) at the household level was 49.8%. Lack of knowledge regarding the use of iodized salt (AOR=0.47, 95% CI (0.33, 0.69)), washing of iodized salt (AOR=0.21, 95% CI (0.10, 0.43)), and low income (AOR=2.7, 95% CI (1.52, 4.79)) were all associated with decreased utilization of iodized salt.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Proper utilization of iodized salt remains low, which was 49.8% in the town, and does not meet the World Health Organization recommendation and the national goal. Lack of knowledge regarding the use of iodized salt, washing of iodized salt, and low income were factors significantly associated with proper utilization of iodized salt in this study. Therefore, the town health officers, health extension workers, and health professionals should work to improve the awareness of the community and the availability of adequately iodized salt and how to use it properly
